James Keelaghan to play Grassroots Concerts' 300th concert
NISSWA - Grassroots Concerts welcomes Juno Award-winner James Keelaghan for its 300th anniversary concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Live Well Night Club and Coffee Bar at the Journey Church in Nisswa.
American music critic/historian Dave Marsh considers Keelaghan "Canada's finest songwriter."
Grassroots Concerts has been hosting its intimate acoustic venue since 1988. Keelaghan has performed in Nisswa five times in 26 years, most recently in 2011.
"Grassroots is one of my favorite places," he said. "Great sound, always a good turn-out and genuinely nice folks who love their music. What could be better?"
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In 28 years of touring he has performed in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Switzerland. He has a distinctive voice in the international singer-songwriter community.
Keelaghan, a Calgary native now living in Winnipeg, has produced nine albums. The most recent is a CD-DVD combo, "History: The First 25 years." It showcases masterful storytelling and that unmistakable baritone.
He considers his life as an artist to be a perpetual journey on many levels. It is an artistic expedition of layered songwriting that produces stories of a historic nature with underlying universal themes. It includes songs that mine the depths of the soul and the emotional trials of human relations.
At the core of his artistry is an ever-present urge to write. Fusing an insatiable appetite for the next storyline, Keelaghan forges his pieces with brilliantly defined craftsmanship and vision.
Keelaghan earned a history degree and draws upon it to create songs. He loves language and applies it with a live-performance comfort level shaped by childhood experience on the theatrical stage.
A primary goal for the poet laureate of the folk and roots music world is to "never stop accumulating." He wants audiences to know that "I am open enough to try new things and push their bounds."
The Live Well Nightclub and Coffee Bar is located in the Journey Church next to
the school in Nisswa.
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Grassroots Concerts are made possible in part by a grant provided by the Five Wings Arts Council with funds through the Minnesota State Legislature.
At each concert, non-perishable food and cash donations for area food shelves are welcomed.
General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 with listening attention, when accompanied by an adult. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for seating preference.
For information go to www.grassrootsconcerts.org , the Grassroots Concerts Facebook page or by phone at 218-829-4092.
Local artist's work featured at library
Lakes area artist Diane Runberg's paintings are on display in a new exhibit at the Brainerd Public Library through Jan. 31, 2016.
Runberg's primary medium is watercolor, but she enjoys trying new techniques and methods and mixes media for new effects.
"The beauty of our area and the changing seasons are a continuous source of inspiration," Runberg said. She is a member of several local art groups and current president of the Crosslake Art Club.
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The exhibit is free of charge to the public. Exhibits of work by local artists are coordinated by the Brainerd Area Art Club and the Brainerd Public Library. For more information,contact the library at 218-829-5574.
BHS grad releases first book
A 2003 Brainerd High School graduate has recently launched her first book.
Adrienne Larsen, who currently lives in Fargo, N.D., first book is on hand knitting patterns. The name of the book is "Welts & Waves," and is a collection of a wide range of projects. It includes sweaters, blankets and accessories. The book is for those from intermediate to difficult skill levels. Every project has comprehensive instructions and detailed photographs.
The hardcopy is available through Amazon, and the ebook through Ravelry. It can be bought locally at An Open Book in Wadena, where Larsen plans to do a book signing and trunk show from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 6.
New twist on holiday classic to be performed in Staples
STAPLES - The movie "It's a Wonderful Life," the beloved holiday classic conjuring images of Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey running down the snow-covered streets of Bedford Falls and being rescued from the icy river by Clarence, Angel Second Class, is coming to a theater in Staples.
Lamplighter Community Theatre in Staples will perform the Christmas classic as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Fifteen actors will bring to life the 37 different characters as well as producing dozens of sound effects.
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"It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show" by Joe Landry will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3-5. There also will be a matinee at 2 p.m. Dec. 5. All performances are at Centennial Auditorium in Staples.
Tickets will be available after Nov. 18 in Staples at Staples True Value, Unity Bank and Staples World or by calling 218-760-7838. Seating will be limited because it will be on the stage.
The performance is about an hour with no intermission.
The actors and the roles they are performing are:
Cade Bestland - Sam Wainwright/Harry Bailey/Martini/Cop;
Ari Brings - Young Violet/Janie;
Stan Carlson - Henry F. Potter/ Old Man Gower/Mr. Welch;
Pam Collins - Rose Bailey/Mrs. Hatch/Bridge Keeper;
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Robin Collins - Clarence/Dr. Campbell;
Jake Denning - Announcer/ Ernie/Charlie;
Justin Edin - Peter/Joseph/Old Man Collins;
Tamber Edin - Mary/Horace;
Kari Erickson - Violet Bck/Ruth Dakin Bailey;
Cassandra Magers - Matilda/Mrs. Thampson;
Alex McIlravy - Young George/Pete/Binky;
Zach McIlravy - Young Harry/Tommy;
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Kevin Olsen - Uncle Billy Bailey/Bert/Nick;
Corey Robinson - George Bailey;
Bryn Williams - Young Mary/Zuzu.
Matthew Olsen is the director; Michelle Jeziorski is the assistant director and producers are Heidi Brings and Jim Vollegraaf.
